A Disease Called Childhood

Why ADHD Became An American Epidemic

A leading researcher and family therapist reframes our understanding of the American ADHD epidemic, and offers parents and educators the possibility of a healthier, less medicated future for their children. She delves into the subject, investigating how specific cultural and social conditions, doctors, Big Pharma, the food industry, modern approaches to education, and the evolution of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM) have come together to diagnose children's behavioral problems as strictly biological, ignoring external causes ranging from dysfunctional environments to media influences to diet. The result: a generation addicted to stimulant drugs, some of whom have been prescribed what is essentially speed from the age of four with long term dependency and abuse issues into high school, college and beyond. is written for the millions of parents who wonder if their child has ADHD, or--if their child has been diagnosed--whether to put him or her on medication. Drawing on techniques gleaned from family therapy that looks at causes and solutions, rather than just symptoms, Wedge hopes to establish a new paradigm for child mental health--and a better, happier, and less medicated future.